Aside from the classic No 2 and No 5, my favorite piece was an 80's era oversized,( approx 30' x 30") flat portfolio case used to carry proof sheets and original artwork to the printers.
I've always wondered why they have misspelled "Gurkha" all the years. A mistake that persisted and became a bit of an inside joke or trademark that was too late to alter? Regardless, it's beautiful kit for sure. I'd love to own one of their bags, but then maybe I'd be betraying our local rival, JW Hulme. :)
According to Simon Crompton the spelling was changed to avoid any confusion with the soldiers, or to dispel any notion that the brand was trying to ride on their coattails.
Great to see you in the JFK Delta lounge a few months back to discuss this very topic! My latest target is #91 - the "Eagle" - Marley's rendition of a classic golf bag... illusive indeed.
Great story Matt, you’ve elevated this brand from my “that’s nice , but who really cares” to “oh wow, I better check this out.” Sounds fun, cool, and even romantic. Sexier than a Tumi bag!?!?!?
Marley was a regular at our hotel in SF for the annual Luggage and Leather Goods show back in the early 80’s. Even then his line was desired by every Preppy and preppy want to be. Next to Hartmann, nothing in the US carried our flag like his goods. Glad G(h)urkha is still going strong for the next generation.
Great bags. My first peek at these was while searching for answers online concerning a particularly vile cigar with the same letters (albeit in slightly different order) as this brand. Zero connection of course -though some of those sticks taste like leather scraps and glue.
Aside from the classic No 2 and No 5, my favorite piece was an 80's era oversized,( approx 30' x 30") flat portfolio case used to carry proof sheets and original artwork to the printers.
I've always wondered why they have misspelled "Gurkha" all the years. A mistake that persisted and became a bit of an inside joke or trademark that was too late to alter? Regardless, it's beautiful kit for sure. I'd love to own one of their bags, but then maybe I'd be betraying our local rival, JW Hulme. :)
According to Simon Crompton the spelling was changed to avoid any confusion with the soldiers, or to dispel any notion that the brand was trying to ride on their coattails.
https://www.permanentstyle.com/2015/03/ghurka-luggage-launches-in-the-uk.html
Thanks! Interesting.
You can't go wrong with JW Hulme, for sure. I have long admired the Gurkha brand. Thank you for this, sir!
Great to see you in the JFK Delta lounge a few months back to discuss this very topic! My latest target is #91 - the "Eagle" - Marley's rendition of a classic golf bag... illusive indeed.
Travel well.
-ac
well played
Great story Matt, you’ve elevated this brand from my “that’s nice , but who really cares” to “oh wow, I better check this out.” Sounds fun, cool, and even romantic. Sexier than a Tumi bag!?!?!?
Marley was a regular at our hotel in SF for the annual Luggage and Leather Goods show back in the early 80’s. Even then his line was desired by every Preppy and preppy want to be. Next to Hartmann, nothing in the US carried our flag like his goods. Glad G(h)urkha is still going strong for the next generation.
Great bags. My first peek at these was while searching for answers online concerning a particularly vile cigar with the same letters (albeit in slightly different order) as this brand. Zero connection of course -though some of those sticks taste like leather scraps and glue.
Thanks for putting me on! Purchased my first - the Garrison No. 147
I just purchased a No. 5 new this past August from Ghurka and have been using it every day of the work week. Love it so far.